Learning Hebrew with Every Bite

By Gilan Gertz

The Benjamin Library has introduced a superbly successful program to help recent olim boost their Hebrew language skills and acclimate to their new country. Called “Learning Hebrew with Every Bite,” this weekly meeting gives children language skills, a sense of community, and positive role models, all while learning how to cook.

Spearheaded by the library’s Educational Steering Committee, the program uses cooking activities to create a fun environment where kids can informally improve their Hebrew language and literacy skills. Based on the success of the library’s summer mentoring program, developed by Mrs. Sharon Kleinerman, the Committee decided to combine mentoring with food. Mrs. Esti Guedalia, a behavioral nutritionist who recognizes food as the key to many beneficial things, leads the workshop with the help of teen mentors.

“Learning Hebrew with Every Bite” matches olim from 3^rd through 5^th grades with teen mentors. The eleven mentors, both boys and girls, span from native born to new olim. The power of mentorship has been evident from the first class, when Esti Guedalia, bearing bread ingredients and two portable ovens, instructed the participants to follow a recipe (in Hebrew) for dough. As the dough rose, the mentors and mentees engaged in an ice-breaking activity, laughing and chatting in a mixture of Hebrew and English. By the time they had finished molding the dough into unique and creative shapes and set it in the oven to bake, the group members were schmoozing like old friends.

According to Sharon Kleinerman, it is not surprising that in one hour’s time, the chug members and mentors had transitioned from strangers to companions. She explains that teen mentors become like Big Brothers and Sisters, serving as positive role models for children at the library’s programs. The children look up to the mentors and follow their lead in gaining mastery over speaking and reading the Hebrew language.

Food, which people of all cultures enjoy, is a natural meeting point. The fun of preparing food together helps the chug’s participants feel comfortable opening up to one another and to the mentors. The Benjamin Library has created an ideal backdrop for olim to integrate into Israeli society and to develop a positive cycle of Hebrew literacy.